BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID ST. IGNATIUS, MONTANA PERMIT NO. 1 59865
VOLUME 8 NUMBER 11 MOON OF THE HALF SUMMER-HALF AUTUMN OCTOBER 1, 1978
Sulfuric Acid Kills Fish (In Finley Creek)
The derailment of a Burlington Northern freight train shortly before noon on Sept. 20th between Evaro and Arlee created a chain of hazardous and alarming events.
Over a thousand fish, mostly trout, were killed in Finely Creek by 8: p.m. the same day, from sulfuric acid contamination.
Thirty-two of the 78-car train bound for Spokane derailed, causing extensive damage and the demolishing of most of the wrecked cars, cargo and tracks. No one was injured.
Seepage of sulfuric acid down a steep embankment entered Finley Creek and the devastating concentrate resulted in what has been declared "a total fish-kill" and extending three miles downstream from the derailment. However, the effects from the acid in Finley Creek was considered lethal to aquatic life and fish as far as Arlee. It was feared the pollution might reach both the Jocko and Flathead Rivers.
It was estimated that approximately 5,000 gallons of sulfuric acid spilled from an over-turned tank. Other cargo containing cement, asphalt chips, grain and coking coal also spilled from derailed cars.
No estimate of the damage and loss, nor the cause of the derailment has been determined as of this writing. Railroad officials felt that the cause of the derailment may never be known, due to badly torn up tracks and surrounding debris.
ATTENTION - TRIBAL MEMBERS
The fourth Quarterly Council Meeting will be held at the Arlee Community Center on October 6th.
It is scheduled to start at 9:AM.
Crews spent long hours replacing about 300 yards of tracks. By Thursday (21st) evening, the track was re-opened and ready for traffic. The demolished cars and debris surrounding the wreckage has not been completely cleared away.
Shortly after the derailment and the sulfuric acid seepage was noticed, residents along Finley Creek were warned through radio Kerr and by officials who contacted the residents personally. Due to the deadly acid infiltrating the creek, it was declared unsafe for personal use or as a water-source for surrounding livestock, etc. School bus-drivers were requested to warn their young passengers of the danger. Residents along Finley Creek were concerned of the acid entering their wells also.
It was feared by owners and operators of fish hatcheries, that their ponds would be affected and they made preparations immediately after the alarm to save their fish.
Officials and personnel from Burlington Northern, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Indian Public Health, Missoula Countys' Civil Defense and numerous other officials met Thursday (Sept. 21st) to discuss the situation and determine necessary action in preventing further damage.
Tribal officials expressed grave concern over the far-reaching effect the contamination could have on aquatic,, wildlife and water-fowl habitat. Council Chairman "Bearhead" Swaney said that studies will be conducted to evaluate the damage and determine the possible future pollution or consequences of the Finley Creek, Jocko and Flathead drainage.
Chairman Swaney and Tribal Secretary, Doug Allard, have indicated that restitution for the present damage and any future damage will be sought from Burlington Northern.